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Library Technology

Given that the main mission of libraries is to offer equality of access to information for every citizen, then why not be a trendsetter in digital use and implement more emerging technologies? As Mogens Vestergaard, Manager of Library and Citizen Service at Roskilde Libraries in Denmark emphasizes in our interview here, “it is the library’s obligation to be at the edge of different uses of culture and uses of technology”.

This article presents a range of relevant and useful innovative technologies to implement at the library. We focus on the technology’s applicability and the benefits it could bring to the library.

Want to also know what are the current technology trends in libraries? From digital storytelling, VR to kinetic bikes and RFID technology, John Garland helps us look at how libraries are using technology to improve services for customers today. Read more in part two of this series here.

1. Big data Along with all the technological advancements, people’s most basic activities are generating more data than ever. The storage and analysis of large datasets can be a real advantage for librarians as they have the relevant skills and knowledge to make the best use of these massive sources of information.

The storage and analysis of large #datasets can be a real advantage for #librarians as they have the relevant skills and #knowledge to make the best use of these massive sources of #information. CLICK TO TWEET How can big data be used by libraries? Big data can improve the library’s activity overall, by simply having access to more insights into the user’s mind. In an article written on publiclibrariesonline.org about the use of big data in libraries, Ginny Mies emphasizes that “libraries can use core customer intelligence to better reach customers, create a better connection with the community and become more relevant and stay more flexible and adaptable to all the environment changes”. You can read the whole article here.

Furthermore, libraries can use big data to create a personalized user experience by offering content and resources based on each individual wish. But at the same time, libraries must consider the privacy issues coming with any access to personal data.

2. Artificial Intelligence With Siri and Alexa available on everyone’s devices nowadays, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic technology as it is gaining more and more traction in our everyday activities. As Kristin Whitehair stresses in an article on Public Libraries Online Website, “with many AI applications focused on delivering information to the user, it can appear that AI is a challenge to libraries”. But at the same time, she adds that “the intelligence is artificial, not human. Libraries can connect people to information and, more importantly, to other people”, whereas AI can’t.

Adding an intelligent side to all applications at the library is a real opportunity to understand the patterns in user behavior and adapt to their needs.